Meet Ashley Fric

I’m Ashley Fric, a checklist making, wine loving, Netflix binging, Austin mom and wife. When I am not chasing chasing around a wonderfully busy 3-year-old I am working to open our first family restaurant, Colleen’s Kitchen.

Colleen’s Kitchen is inspired by the spirit of a favorite aunt who created joy in every moment – and who knew the importance of a good meal (and a glass of champagne). Not only did we name the restaurant after her, it’s also mine and my daughter’s middle name. What she and my family have taught me about community inspires me daily. This will live on in what we do at Colleen’s Kitchen.

My love affair with Austin started as a student at UT. Between Longhorn football games, greenbelt hikes and the occasional night out on 6th Street I quickly knew I was home. Post graduation I worked for the State making my folks proud and putting my government degree to good use. However, as fate would have it one October night, while volunteering at a non-profit happy hour, I met Sean Fric. A soon-to-be bar owner and apparently my future husband. Somehow he convinced me to leave my comfortable, steady day job behind to join his team as an event manager. Little did I know at the time, I would be doing that, plus a little bit of everything else. I found out quickly that nothing is below you when you’re trying to make a business successful. From bartending to washing the dishes, you just have to get the job done. Kind of like raising a kid, you do whatever it takes.

It’s been a roller coaster ride for sure, but I wouldn’t trade my crazy life for anything. I get to work with the people I love the most; my husband, my sister and the good service industry folks of Austin. I love that I can brighten someone’s day with simply a little friendly chat and a good cocktail – everyone can always use a good cocktail. Friends and family are what it’s all about. I love that I am creating a place where they can just sit back and enjoy each other’s company. Most of all, I hope that my hard work and dedication to my craft teaches my little one that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

If I know one thing it is that I want to make every day just a little bit better for my family and my community. Finding the right balance between it all is a constant struggle. You know; job, husband, kid, family, friends… isn’t there something called personal time? That balancing act is one of the reasons I find this group to be so inspiring. We are all dealing with our own challenges, but we push forward. I see this community as a way to make the path a little smoother for all by sharing and learning from each other’s unique experiences. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Austin Moms Blog!

About Ashley Fric

Ashley is a checklist making, wine loving, Netflix binging, Austin mom, wife and entrepreneur. When she and her husband Sean are not chasing around their little one Elizabeth they are working to open their first family restaurant, Colleen’s Kitchen, in Mueller. Ashley believes good times, like good food and drinks, should be shared. She knows that it's the little things that make ordinary extraordinary and believes everyday moments deserve celebration. You can follow her at @ColleensAustin.